It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Oak Ridge, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Liz and her team are the consumate professionals when it comes to providing quality care”
“Liz…. Is simply the Best ! Her professionalism is amazing …”
“Liz is beyond TOP NOTCH at what she does, and the services she provides. We”
“When Always Best Care was referred to us by a friend, we didn’t quite know”
“Excellent service, Always Best Care takes care well of your loved one. They are professionals”
“If you are looking for the right team to help you provide in-home care for”
“Liz and her staff are hands down the best!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services and CEO Liz Johnson, provide compassionate and qualified care for”
“Always Best Care provides the highest level of in home care for your loved ones.”
“Excellent company! They care deeply for each person they work with and I highly recommend”
“You will always get the best care and service. Liz is so compassionate and”
“When my special needs son broke his femur we called Liz for help. Although”
“Always best care have been a good company,and they always check on the workers,and make”
“I was referred to Always Best Care by a close friend when I was searching”
“Quick and reliable assistance from the skilled team at Always Best Care played a major”
“We found Anna through Always Best Care to take care of my ailing mother-in-law. She”
“After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we looked at all of the different companies”
“Nicky provided ten months of excellent care to my 82 years old mother who had”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I”
“Your approach and calming demeanor are truly a gift and personal calling! You have helped”
“Great Agency! Esoma The Coordinator is the best in the field! So caring”
“I am a current client of this provider My ninety year old grandfather was diagnosed with”
“It has been a delightful experience to work with Always Best Care. Over the last”
“I really liked the caregiver who came to help my mom during her recovery from”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I”
“I am a current client of this provider I would like to offer my thanks to”
“Liz and her team are the consumate professionals when it comes to providing quality care for our seniors. They provide compassionate and competent care without forgetting about empathy and dignity for those entrusted in their care. Providing exceptional care...and then some...isn't what they do, it's simply who they are. Thank you, Liz, for providing such exceptional leadership to your team!”
“Liz…. Is simply the Best ! Her professionalism is amazing …”
“Liz is beyond TOP NOTCH at what she does, and the services she provides. We had a difficult family situation, and she handled it with grace, and provided my family with service, and advice above and beyond what I expected to receive!!! Thank you!!!”
“When Always Best Care was referred to us by a friend, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Meeting the charming and charismatic Liz the owner and her smiling staff at the agency however put our hearts and minds at ease although we were in the middle of the pandemic. They are down-to-earth caring, compassionate and professional and our aunt could not ask for anything more. I truly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Excellent service, Always Best Care takes care well of your loved one. They are professionals and certified which makes them on top of everything. Just call Liz Johnson and she will help and goes above and beyond. I would highly recommend them.”
“If you are looking for the right team to help you provide in-home care for your loved one, Always Best Care should be your first call. Liz and her team are trustworthy, caring, and compassionate. They go above and beyond for their clients and their families! They are truly exceptional!”
“Liz and her staff are hands down the best!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services and CEO Liz Johnson, provide compassionate and qualified care for seniors and patients recovering from surgery. Liz has a heart for families who need to make those tough choices and is a knowledgeable resource for those in need. She addresses questions and concerns with advice and solutions based on her professional acumen and life experience. I would recommend Liz wholeheartedly. Make her your first call when you need support for a loved one!”
“Always Best Care provides the highest level of in home care for your loved ones. I have used this agency to provide in home care for several family members and loved ones. Their aides provide compassionate care and have allowed my family members to age in their home with dignity and grace. Highly recommend !!!”
“Excellent company! They care deeply for each person they work with and I highly recommend them. Very reliable and quick to respond. The owner is just amazing!”
“You will always get the best care and service. Liz is so compassionate and attentive and treats everyone as if they were family. I highly recommend!”
“When my special needs son broke his femur we called Liz for help. Although she specializes in Senior Care, we knew her company would take great care of our pre-teen. We can never thank Liz and her company enough for the kindness and great care they provided not just for our son, but for our entire family! What a relief it was to know he was being well cared for with such kindness and compassion. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Always best care have been a good company,and they always check on the workers,and make everything so easy for me,I never have bad experience wit them,I like my supervisor Mrs Leslie and the Coordinator Esoma bcos they always check on us wit my client and confirm if everything is working so good wit us,please all I want to say to them,is to keep the good work contine,may the company continues to be bless wit good people and so caring about the Aides....thank you so very much”
“I was referred to Always Best Care by a close friend when I was searching for an assisted living community for my parents. I found the staff extremely professional and helpful right from our first meeting. What I appreciate the most is their prompt service and flexibility. Since I have my job in another city, I wasn’t able to take care of my parents and eventually had to make the difficult decision to move them to assisted living. Thanks to Always Best Care for speeding up the whole process according to my schedule. Highly Recommended!”
“Quick and reliable assistance from the skilled team at Always Best Care played a major in my father’s recovery from osteoporosis. The assigned caregiver was extremely patient and supportive. He helped my father with all sorts of exercises. I strongly recommend Always Best Care for the well being of your beloved elders.”
“We found Anna through Always Best Care to take care of my ailing mother-in-law. She is honest, reliable, and goes out of her way to help my mother-in-law with her daily chores. I never have to worry that she wouldn’t show up on time or would find excuses for not doing some tasks. She is also very funny and keeps us laughing all day long. We are really happy with the services offered by Always Best Care. The attentiveness and quick response of their staff has made things quite easy for us. We know that they are there to address our needs no matter what time of the day we call them. They genuinely care about the health and well-being of their clients. And that’s what makes them so much better than other agencies.”
“After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we looked at all of the different companies in the marketplace. We received great care from our caregiver and really appreciated the patient approach they took with my dad. With much gratitude to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Nicky provided ten months of excellent care to my 82 years old mother who had dementia. She was caring in every possible way which was exactly what the family wanted for her. She passed away last month, but peacefully and with dignity. Thank you so much Always Best Care for the amazing service.”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”
“Your approach and calming demeanor are truly a gift and personal calling! You have helped more than you will ever realize”
“Great Agency! Esoma The Coordinator is the best in the field! So caring about the Aides! Thanks again!”
“I am a current client of this provider My ninety year old grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few months ago. Without the in home care provided by Always Best Care, I do not know how we would have managed everything. I am grateful for the dedicated service they have provided to us.”
“It has been a delightful experience to work with Always Best Care. Over the last three years, I have had a few caregivers come in to care for my mother who has Alzheimer’s. When she was diagnosed with the condition, I had little hope of her getting back to her normal self again. She had almost stopped smiling. But after I had the wonderful caregivers to care for her, I saw a great improvement in her health. She seems not only healthier, but happier too. Thank you Always Best Care.”
“I really liked the caregiver who came to help my mom during her recovery from a major surgery. She took great care of her and ensured a quick recovery. A hearty thanks to Always Best Care.”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Oak Ridge, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Oak Ridge, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oak Ridge, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
COVID-19 safety measures apply.Union County, NJ – As the summer approaches, the Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes residents to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This outdoor public archery range is the first, and only, facility of its kind in the region.“The Archery Range provides an inclusive activity for all Union County residents to enjoy, from beginners to seasoned archers, and it is fully accessible to welcome persons with disabilities,” said Board of Com...
COVID-19 safety measures apply.
Union County, NJ – As the summer approaches, the Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes residents to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This outdoor public archery range is the first, and only, facility of its kind in the region.
“The Archery Range provides an inclusive activity for all Union County residents to enjoy, from beginners to seasoned archers, and it is fully accessible to welcome persons with disabilities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The Archery Range is open to any Union County resident or visitor age nine and older with an Archery ID Card. The ID card can be obtained by passing a safety course offered through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, consisting of a training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range.
To sign up for a group safety lesson, or to renew an existing Archery ID card, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/archery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask and social distancing measures have been implemented at the Archery Range. All even-numbered stalls are closed to allow for social distancing, and only one archer and one household member are allowed to share a lane.
In addition, the size of the group safety lessons has been limited to eight participants to allow for social distancing, and the range will be closed to other archers during the lessons.
For more information about Oak Ridge Park and all Union County recreation facilities, visit ucnj.org/parks.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
##
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
CLARK, NJ – The Oak Ridge Park Athletic Field opened officially on Monday after a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Union County Freeholders, the Union County Improvement Authority, Union County College and members of the Clark Recreation Department.The field features an eight-lane Olympic running track, soccer and lacrosse field, field house with lockers and concession, bleachers, press box and track and field facilities.According to county officials the field will be used by Union County College teams and athletes for so...
CLARK, NJ – The Oak Ridge Park Athletic Field opened officially on Monday after a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Union County Freeholders, the Union County Improvement Authority, Union County College and members of the Clark Recreation Department.
The field features an eight-lane Olympic running track, soccer and lacrosse field, field house with lockers and concession, bleachers, press box and track and field facilities.
According to county officials the field will be used by Union County College teams and athletes for soccer and lacrosse games, track and field meets and practices. The facility is also open through the County Parks Department to the public, schools, and organizations for the same usage.
Sign Up for FREE Clark Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
“The College’s athletic teams have struggled without a home field for many years. Frankly, it’s a social justice issue when poorer community college students don’t have the decent and safe facilities that wealthier college students take for granted,’’ said Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin. “So we are pleased to partner with the County on this endeavor. Our soccer, lacrosse, and track athletes need to compete on a modern, safe, state-of-the-art field. This includes our nationally recognized women’s soccer team that finished the 2018 season ranked third in the nation at the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament...”
The 12-acre site can be used for Division I athletic competitions and is considered to be the best in the county according to officials. The complex also includes lighting for night competition, bleachers for up to 800 fans, a press box, an underground storm water detention area and provides scenic views of the park and the Watchung mountains.
Developers constructed a dedicated entrance to the field at the intersection of Woodland Road and Oak Ridge Road. It leads into the parking lot which contains 120 spaces for use by field-goers. The lot also has its own exit from the park across from the Clark Pool.
“This magnificent facility now takes its place as one of the top-notch recreational fields in the state,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Union County is highly regarded for its award-winning parks system, and the Oak Ridge Park Athletic Field is a great new attraction for our residents and student-athletes to enjoy.”
--------------
Didn't know this event was happening? Sign up for enews so next time you will be in the know!
Paul Tu enjoys a round at the Oak Ridge Park disc golf course in Clark.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf ClubJacob Liss tosses a disc at the Oak Ridge Park disc golf course in Clark.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf ClubBoard members of the Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club water newly planted trees on the course.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf ClubPaul Tu enjoys a round at the Oak Ridge Park disc golf course in Clark.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge...
Paul Tu enjoys a round at the Oak Ridge Park disc golf course in Clark.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club
Jacob Liss tosses a disc at the Oak Ridge Park disc golf course in Clark.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club
Board members of the Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club water newly planted trees on the course.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club
Paul Tu enjoys a round at the Oak Ridge Park disc golf course in Clark.Photo Credit: Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club
By Andrea Crowley-Hughes
PublishedFebruary 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM
UNION COUNTY, NJ — Free. Fast. A nice walk in the park. These are words Summit resident Adam Zucker uses to describe disc golf.
Zucker and other board members of the Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club spoke about their course at the Jan. 26 Union County Board of Commissioners meeting. The park, located in Clark, has been home to the county’s first permanent disc golf course since 2021.
Disc golf players throw concave plastic discs into metal baskets situated on an outdoor course during approximately 90-minute rounds.
Sign Up for FREE Westfield Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
“The disc is the ball and the club,” Zucker explained.
The goal of the game is to complete the course using the fewest possible throws.
Membership to the course is growing, according to Zucker. In 2022, 150 membership tags were sold, and by the end of January 2023, the course already gained 84 more members, he said.
Zucker said membership tags are bought in person and the number usually spikes in the spring, but the course is already more than halfway toward last year’s membership increase. Membership, however, is not required to play at the course.
In 2022, players from 35 different states came to Oak Ridge Park. Those who use an app known as UDisc logged 6,127 rounds of disc golf there.
The course has also seen recent appearances from professional disc golfers including Aaron Gossage and two-time PDGA - world champion Ricky Wysocki.
David Liss, the club’s president, said interest in the sport took on a new level after 2019, when the course was still temporary and the club held its first annual Fall Flyover, an annual tournament to benefit the county’s 4H program.
“Ever since the traditional ball golf course closed at Oak Ridge Park, people had been trying to get disc golf installed there, and for the longest time, it wasn't happening," said Liss, a Cranford resident. "Then in 2019, somebody had the bright idea of saying we should run a charity tournament with temporary baskets at Oak Ridge Park. And sure enough, we did it, we raised $5,000 for 4H and that's what turned the corner.”
The sport’s popularity “exploded in 2020, when COVID hit and people needed to do something outside,” Zucker said. “The statistics show that worldwide there were three courses being put in per day before the pandemic and in the last two plus years, it's now five and a half a day.”
Zucker thanked the county for its role in setting up the course, saying other courses do not have such strong relationships with the counties they are located in.
Disc golf course membership dues contribute to efforts by the county parks’ commission’s efforts to plant more trees in the park. The club has $1,500 budgeted for new trees this year, according to its president.
Horticulturist Arlene Gurka, the club’s secretary who also leads its tree committee, said she works to plant the trees with young participants in the county 4H program.
“We try to position the tree so that depending on the type of tree that it is, it's going to protect the players between the holes," Gurka said.
Members of the Oak Ridge Park Disc Golf Club said more improvements are needed for their course to be complete.
They are asking for tee pads, as players currently throw discs while standing on the dirt, which Zucker said is a detriment.
“We basically have slippery grass that then gets chewed up, and we have to move our little markers that are very unofficial, to show where someone should tee from,” he said.
He compared the current status to having a baseball field without home plate.
Tee signs, caution signs and signage that informs visitors of course closures can follow, Zucker said.
After the presentation, commissioners tried their hands at tossing their discs into a metal basket brought by club member Bob Graham.
“We may do a commissioner outing over there and try it out,” commissioner Chair Sergio Granados said. He also encouraged members to share their ideas and concerns with parks director Victoria Durbin Drake.
More information on the course can be found on the county website and the club’s Facebook group.
The story was made possible through a collaboration of TAPinto sites in Union County.
Ridge Oak requested support from Bernards Township in its request for state funding to be used to develop 29 apartment units for seniors.Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Jan 31, 2023 at 1:33 pm ETBASKING RIDGE, NJ — Residents raised concerns to the Township Committee over a future proposal to tear down a single-family home and construct a 29-unit rental apartment building for the elderly.The opposition was triggered before the Township Committee voted on a resolution on Jan. 24 to support The Ridge Oak Manangement...
Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Jan 31, 2023 at 1:33 pm ET
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Residents raised concerns to the Township Committee over a future proposal to tear down a single-family home and construct a 29-unit rental apartment building for the elderly.
The opposition was triggered before the Township Committee voted on a resolution on Jan. 24 to support The Ridge Oak Manangement Inc. in its desire to apply for state funding "for the purpose of developing approximately 29 rental apartment units of age-restricted affordable housing to be designated as Ridge Oak IV."
If the funding is approved by the state, the proposed project would then go before the township zoning board.
The proposed project, according to the resolution, would demolish a single-family home on Manchester Drive and replace it with the apartment complex on the two-acre lot at Block 1611, Lot 40.
The private non-profit organization already has 308 units in its senior facility, "which mission includes the development, management and operation of low and very low-income housing for the elderly and the provision of social and supportive services to elderly persons with low and very low incomes."
While the resolution was just to support Ridge Oak's request for state funding, Manchester Drive resident Stephanie Dougherty said, "we all know they have a much bigger chance of getting that funding with your backing."
Dougherty who has lived in the area for more than 17 years said that even though the affordable housing aspect is appealing to the township, "the solution is not to keep dumping it all in the same residential neighborhood... We are at capacity, we've done our part."
Traffic and congestion were the main concerns brought up by residents at the meeting.
Prospect Avenue resident Brian McMahon presented the Township Committee with a video showing a car plowing into a parked car without ever applying the brakes.
"A lot of people drive up and down that street. They are not from the neighborhood, not from this town. They are there once in their life, twice in their life," said McMahon.
Dougherty said the bulk of the traffic in the neighborhood is from The Ridge Oak due to meal deliveries, caretakers, medical supply deliveries, and visitors.
"Manchester Drive is quite literally a thoroughfare from S Maple Avenue all the way down into Ridge Oak. And they speed," said Dougherty.
"This neighborhood was not built for that kind of traffic and we don't need 29 more apartment rentals. Don't do this to our families and our neighborhood," said Dougherty.
Police Chief Jon Burger said the department was informed a week before the Committee meeting about issues with speeding vehicles.
"We have been increasing our presence there the same we do for many areas where we receive complaints," said Burger.
Mayor Andrew McNally acknowledged all of the residents' comments and said he doesn't disagree with them at all. However, he reminded residents that the resolution up for a vote is just in support of funding.
"I believe it would be very prejudicial of us to decline this and prejudge this application. So I support Ridge Oak's potential ability to obtain funding from the state and believe they should have the opportunity to present the full merits of their proposal to the zoning board," said McNally.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer Asay said, "any yes for this does not endorse this project at all. What it merely does is allows them to apply for funding."
"We are doing this in fairness and we are very transparent about this. I promise you this is just about the funding," said Committeewoman Janice Fields. "We have to be fair to everyone if we have done this for others we have to do it for them too. We can't be biased."
Fields added that if Ridge Oak does get the funding the next step would be for the township zoning board to vet the project so that the public can share their concerns.
Alpin Haus, located in Amsterdam, N.Y., and one of the Northeast’s largest family-owned outdoor recreation retailers, today (Jan. 8) announced the acquisition of RV sales and service provider Garick RV. The New Jersey-based company, founded in 1983, will operate under the Alpin Haus banner effective immediately, according to a releaseThe acquisition of Garick RV’s sales and servic...
Alpin Haus, located in Amsterdam, N.Y., and one of the Northeast’s largest family-owned outdoor recreation retailers, today (Jan. 8) announced the acquisition of RV sales and service provider Garick RV. The New Jersey-based company, founded in 1983, will operate under the Alpin Haus banner effective immediately, according to a release
The acquisition of Garick RV’s sales and service centers, both located in Oak Ridge, NJ, marks the first-time expansion of Alpin Haus outside New York state. The addition will enhance and complement Alpin Haus’ established RV sales and service locations in Amsterdam, Wilton and Port Jervis, NY, the release stated, and all 21 staff members employed by Garick RV will be retained by Alpin Haus.
“We are excited to welcome Garick RV and their associates to the Alpin Haus family. With nearly a century of combined experience as family-owned businesses, we share a similar philosophy of excellence and unwavering commitment to customer service,” said Alpin Haus President Andy Heck.
“Since this past spring, we’ve seen many families develop an interest in the RV lifestyle as they look for safe getaway options during the pandemic. Our new location in the Garden State will allow us to serve even more valued customers and help them enjoy the outdoors,” Heck added.
Under the Alpin Haus banner, the Oak Ridge sales center, located at 3134 Route 23 North, will continue to sell new and used RVs, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, Class A and C motorhomes, and pop-up campers. The Alpin Haus of Oak Ridge sales center will continue to offer the same quality brands, including Jayco and Keystone, with plans to expand product offerings in the future. The sales center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The Alpin Haus of Oak Ridge service center, located at 209 Oak Ridge Road – only one mile from the sales center – features 10 service bays with 9,000 square feet of state-of-the-art service equipment. Service center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Alpin Haus has been named one of the “Top 50 RV Dealers in North America” by RVBusiness magazine. In addition to the recently acquired New Jersey location, Alpin Haus operates five retail shops in New York featuring a full-line of RVs, snowmobiles, skis, boats, pools, and spas. The family-owned business is one of the leading outdoor recreational retailers in the Northeast and currently employs more than 200 individuals.
For more information, visit www.alpinhausrv.com.
About Alpin Haus
For more than 50 years, Alpin Haus has served as the one of the Northeast’s largest outdoor recreation retailers. With six store locations in the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Northern New Jersey, Alpin Haus features a full-line of RVs, snowmobiles, skis, boats, pools, and spas. Alpin Haus is one of America’s largest RV dealers and has received the Snow Sports Retailer of the Year; National Top Quality RV Dealer of the Year; Ski-Doo District Dealer of the Year; and has been selected multiple times as one of the Best Places to Work by Capital District Business Review. For more information, visit www.alpinhaus.com.
877-318-0529
